The Impact of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) On the Local Livelihoods, Security and Income Generation in Northwest Nigeria

This research investigates the socio-economic hurdles posed by climate change and the adoption of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) in Northwest Nigeria. Employing a cross-sectional mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 700 participants through surveys, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews conducted in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States. The quantitative analysis utilised various statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, ANOVA, logistic regression, and multiple regression, while the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The results indicated that 56% of the participants were farmers, with many expressing high levels of vulnerability to climate-related shocks. Chi-square and regression analyses demonstrated that factors such as income, education, and farm size had a significant impact on the adoption of NbS. In contrast, age did not appear to be a significant predictor. Rural households experienced more intense climate effects compared to their urban counterparts, and respondents from Zamfara showed the highest levels of vulnerability. The qualitative findings brought to light themes concerning community resilience, gaps within institutions, challenges in gendered adaptation, and insufficient community ownership of NbS initiatives. The study concludes that vulnerability in Northwest Nigeria is complex, influenced by socio-economic disparities, structural obstacles, and gender factors. Recommendations include enhancing community capacity, promoting policies that are sensitive to gender issues, improving institutional collaboration, and integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific methods to scale up NbS effectively.